Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells reported a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in June 2023, placing it 18.8% below the UK average of 8.5. This figure reflects a relatively stable environment compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.9% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%) and criminal damage and arson (9.8%). These figures align with the area's character as a mix of urban and rural settings, where retail and leisure activities contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The start of summer, with its longer days and growing tourist presence, likely influences these patterns. For instance, the prominence of violence and sexual offences may be linked to increased foot traffic in town centres and social gatherings. However, the area’s crime profile also shows notable strengths, such as anti-social behaviour rates being 19% below the UK average—possibly reflecting effective local policing or community engagement. Property crime remains a smaller share of total incidents, with shoplifting and other thefts contributing 15% combined. Seasonal factors, including the early stages of the tourism season, may explain fluctuations in public order offences, though the exact relationship requires further analysis. Overall, Tunbridge Wells’ crime rate suggests a balance between local challenges and relative safety compared to national benchmarks.

June 2023 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+37.3%) and public order offences (+34.2%), with shoplifting rising from 51 to 70 incidents. This surge may be tied to the start of the summer season, as retail areas attract more visitors. Concurrently, possession of weapons increased by 300%, jumping from 2 to 8 cases—a statistically significant shift that could signal emerging local tensions or changes in law enforcement activity. On the other hand, burglary rates fell by 38.2%, declining from 34 to 21 incidents, due to seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic in residential areas during warmer evenings. Theft from the person also dropped by 50%, from 4 to 2 cases. Violence and sexual offences in Tunbridge Wells were 11% below the UK average (2.6 vs 2.9 per 1,000), while criminal damage and arson were 9% above the national rate. These contrasts highlight the area’s unique crime profile, with violent crime rates lower than expected for a town with a mix of urban and rural spaces but higher property damage incidents linked to local environmental factors. Residents may find the 38% drop in burglary rates particularly relevant, as it suggests improved security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes during the summer months.

Tunbridge Wells’ crime rate in June 2023 remained stable compared to May, with no significant change from 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests that local crime patterns have not experienced major fluctuations over the past month. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 28 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the ongoing need for vigilance in public spaces. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 145 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. When scaled to the population of 119,694, this rate underscores the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in Tunbridge Wells compared to the UK average. The stability in overall crime rates contrasts with the more volatile changes in specific categories, such as the sharp rise in shoplifting and possession of weapons. These variations indicate that while the area maintains a generally safe environment, certain subcategories of crime warrant closer attention. The comparison to the UK average also highlights Tunbridge Wells’ strengths—such as its significantly lower anti-social behaviour rates (19% below the UK average)—which may be attributable to local initiatives or the area’s socio-economic profile. For residents, the 1-in-145 monthly exposure figure serves as a tangible benchmark for understanding the likelihood of crime in their daily lives.